OCA-New Jersey Chapter recently held their Lunar New Year Dinner Celebration in Parsippany (Noodle Wong Restaurant). Close to 200 attendees helped to “Welcome” the Lunar New Year together. (The Asian American Dragon Lion Dance Troupe) performed the “Three Auspicious Lions” Dance. The performers are comprised of 2nd generation Asian Americans. The playful lions (performers) displayed various movements & unique skills. Guests jockeyed for positions to “FEED” the Lions “RED ENVELOPES”.

“Year of the Dog” First Day Issue Stamped Envelopes were given to chapter’s members & supporters. Adorable “Year of the Dog” Stuffed Animals were also given out to attendees who were born in the “Year of the Dog”. Chapter’s president, Laura Lee 余麗明, thanked their Corporate Sponsors like UPS & YU & Associates (于氏工程公司) for their support to the chapter. OCA-NJ continues to advocate for talent & leadership development for Asian youths, unity of the Asian communities for more power/strength & win political influence.

UPS亞裔員工參加美華協會春節慶祝晚會迎新。(記者陳雯娟／攝影)
Asian colleagues of UPS at the OCA-NJ Lunar New Year celebration. (Reporter/Photographer 陳雯娟)

OCA STATEMENT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION

Washington, DC – OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates released the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address:

In a moment when the topic of immigration is paramount, we are disappointed that the President used the State of the Union address as a platform to use families as a bargaining chip for immigration negotiations.

We strongly disagree with the White House’s proposed immigration platform that restricts family-based visas, including completely eliminating the parent, sibling, and adult children categories that have allowed countless AAPI families to reunite and prosper in the United States. This is simply a policy that runs contrary not only to the family values of AAPIs, but also the country. The President’s statement that families can bring in virtually unlimited number of distant relatives is simply irresponsible and untrue – with many families waiting several decades to reunite with their loved ones.

We appreciate the President’s call for unity, but unity does not start with attempts to keep our families separated. We hope the President and Congress will work together by moving a clean DREAM Act rather than his current immigration proposal.

OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national organization of community advocates dedicated to improving the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).